Children’s Faith Formation
Our parish supports parents as the primary educators of their children. We take
seriously the obligation to assist them in the Faith Formation of their children.
The mission of the catechetical program at Good Shepherd Parish is to help all students
and their families develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and to live out their
Catholic faith in ways that draws others to Christ and the Church. We seek to carry out
this mission through catechesis, sacramental preparation, liturgy and service.
Our faith formation program is an eight-year sequence of formation beginning in level 1
and continuing through level 8. It consists of virtual weekly classes, one hour in
duration, held from October to May. In addition, parent and child will participate in weekly
Mass and required level gatherings at the Church several times during the year.
LEVEL 1
This is the first year of a required two-year Communion Preparation Program.
Children use the level 1 Sadlier book---Christ in Us. Classes are conducted on
Google Meet and led by a catechist.
Attendance at Mass is required and they are to complete 12 Mass transit cards,
as well as attend in-person church gatherings.
LEVEL 2
During this year the children prepare to receive the Sacraments of Reconciliation and
Eucharist. The children will be using material from Pflaum Publishing.
Classes are conducted on Google Meet and led by a catechist.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is celebrated at the end of January.
The Sacrament of the Eucharist is celebrated during the month of May.
Attendance at Mass is required and they are to complete 12 Mass transit cards,
as well as attend in-person church gatherings.
LEVEL 3
The children will be using Good News from Pflaum Gospel Weeklies.
Classes are conducted on Google Meet and led by a catechist.
The child’s faith journey continues every year until they receive the Sacrament of
Confirmation in the fall of 9th grade. Attendance at Mass is required.
LEVELS 4, 5 and 6
Children at this level will be using Venture from Pflaum Gospel Weeklies.
Classes are conducted on Google Meet and led by a catechist.
The child’s faith journey continues every year until they receive the Sacrament of
Confirmation in the fall of 9th grade. Attendance at Mass is required.
LEVEL 7
The students will be using Visions from Pflaum Gospel Weeklies.
Classes are conducted on Google Meet and led by a catechist.
It is at this level that the students will begin their
first year of preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
The following requirements must be met for Level 7:
Complete 12 Mass transit cards; saint report; sponsor sheet and 2 service projects.
A student must attend Level 7 at Good Shepherd and turn in all requirements in order to move on to Level 8.
LEVEL 8
The Students will be using Anointed in the Spirit from St. Mary’s Press.
This is the second year of Confirmation preparation.
Level 8 meets monthly at the Church building.
The following requirements must be met before they receive Confirmation:
Complete 12 Mass transit cards; complete a class service project;
interview their sponsor; write a letter to the pastor requesting to celebrate the
Sacrament of Confirmation; attend a retreat; and attend the rehearsal with their sponsor or another adult.
